JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT - CONSTRUCTION ON THE MAJURA PARKWAY BEGINS

Released 05/02/2013

Major construction on the largest ever road project in our nation's capital - the $288 million Majura Parkway- is now underway.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese today joined ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher to turn the sod on this critical road infrastructure project which will provide a continuous freeway link between the Federal Highway and Monaro Highway.

"Assessed and recommended by Infrastructure Australia, this new road is expected to generate long term economic, social and environmental benefits worth almost $1 billion," Mr Albanese said.

"All up, Federal Labor has almost doubled annual infrastructure spending from $72 to $114 per resident in the nation's capital. Indeed, the start of construction on the Parkway builds on the $18.5 million duplication for the Monaro Highway we opened last September.

"The start of construction on this nationally significant project will create 350 jobs and is the culmination of a persistent and passionate community campaign led by local MPs including Gai Brodtmann, Andrew Leigh, Mike Kelly and Senator Kate Lundy.

ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher, also welcomed the progression of this significant infrastructure project for the Territory.

"The completed Majura Parkway will play a significant role in improving the main national and regional freight route," the Chief Minister said.

"Surrounded by NSW, the ACT depends on the national freight network to access the goods that keep the ACT's economy strong. It is anticipated that the amount of freight that will be carried on our roads will double over the next 10 to 15 years. The Majura Parkway alone is forecast to carry around 40,000 vehicles a day, including up to 6,000 trucks, by 2030.

"The ACT will also benefit from additional capacity on its road network. The Majura Parkway will help relieve traffic congestion on residential streets in the inner north and improve access for both local and interstate traffic to industrial areas like Fyshwick and to the Canberra Airport precinct."

The project involves:

11.5km of new dual carriageway highway

11 bridges and 3 grate separated interchanges

Dedicated on-road cycle lanes

The Majura Parkway is jointly funded by the Federal Labor Government and ACT Government each contributing $144 million and is due to be completed in mid-2016.

For more information about the Majura Parkway project visit www.majuraparkway.act.gov.au